STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 goalkeeper Tor Saunders was selected 74th overall in the third round of the Major League Soccer Superdraft today by Nashville Soccer Club.
The 6-foot-5 goalkeeper is the third Tormenta 2 alum to be selected in the MLS Superdraft. In 2020, goalkeeper Keegan Meyer and forward Ryo Shimazaki were drafted by New England Revolution and Columbus Crew SC, respectively. They both now compete for New England’s second team in USL League One.
Appearing in the net for 12 matches in 2019, Saunders made 21 saves, helping TFC 2 to its second USL League Two Deep South Division title and first Southern Conference title.
“Tor has made some really decisive decisions in the last few years to give himself the opportunity to get drafted,” TFC Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “When he sat behind Ben Lundt at Akron, he came to Tormenta FC USL League Two in order to prepare himself for the upcoming college season after Ben got drafted.
“He won the starting spot that summer in a team that made the semi-final of the National Championships. He spent one more season at Akron before joining Coastal Carolina for his final year of eligibility. Again that was a brave decision but one that has evidently paid off. He has the height and leadership skills to show well in pre-season and we’re excited to track his progress.”
Saunders spent three seasons with Akron University, where he started in 18 total matches, making 40 saves. In three seasons playing for the Zips, Saunders recorded a 1.15 goals against average. A Washington state native, the goalkeeper also gained valuable experience with the Seattle Sounders Youth Academy.
Led by Head Coach Tom Morris, Tormenta FC 2 is the club’s pre-professional team that seeks to play an exciting brand of soccer featuring elite local, national and international players. Since beginning play in 2016, TFC 2 has helped nearly 50 players achieve their professional dreams. In 2018, TFC 2 finished its season as champions of the Deep South Division. In 2019, TFC 2 repeated as Deep South Division champions and also won the League Two Southern Conference title, reaching the League Two Semifinals for the first time in club history.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.
